Tuesday, October 27, 2009

An interview with Karen McLaughlin


Check out this page featuring the author of From This Distance, Karen McLaughlin:

http://www.totemfigures.com/Site/Totem_Figures/Entries/2009/10/8_Audio_Interview_with_Karen_McLaughlin.html

Not only is there an audio interview, you're also treated to some of her fabulous visual art pieces. And why not pay a visit to her blog at http://karen-mclaughlin.blogspot.com too?

Montreal launch for 'Because I Have Loved and Hidden It'

For those of you in the fair city of Montreal looking for something to do tonight, why not check out the launch of Elise Moser's Because I Have Loved and Hidden It, in Café Romolo at 272 Bernard West?

The event runs from 6-8 PM. So drop by, have a drink, meet the lovely and delightful Elise Moser, get a great book signed. I can think of far worse ways to spend an evening in beautiful Montreal.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The mayor of the Big Smoke has a Big Book

This is Mayor David Miller:





















This is the city of Toronto:






















Next year, we're going to be publishing Witness to a City: David Miller's Toronto, compiling "some of the most powerful and inspirational of [Torontonians'] stories to articulate his vision of Toronto: a 21st century city that shows the world how different cultures can live, work and dream together as one community."

Gotta tell you, I'm pretty excited. The book promises to be an interesting take on a city I've lived my whole life in. And the idea of working with a sitting mayor of Toronto who's had a very eventful tenure is going to be an experience worth writing home about.

Or in this case, blogging about. So stay tuned!

Read the official press release

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The other day when I was interviewed ...

Last night I was interviewed by Sean Berry, host of The Casting Couch on Blog Talk Radio, an online radio show for aspiring actors, writers, musicians, and so forth, who are hoping to break into the entertainment industry. He's had some really interesting guests on there (aside from me, of course) so do take a look at the archives.

First off, I totally enjoyed the experience, although I'll admit to a few nerves. I didn't want to come off as sanctimonious, or boring, or sounding like a moron, but people tell me I did an okay job and that's the story I'm sticking with.

So that was fun. Why do I bring it up? Well, I think it's a neat example of the subtle things you to get a bit of publicity for your press. As much as I love the idea of going out into schoolyards dressed as a giant Cormorant mascot and harassing terrified children into buying Canada Counts, I find that people will eventually be drawn to substance over style - especially on the internet, where everything lasts forever and your thoughtful material will still be available long after a fad has died.

Not that I think I was groundbreakingly thoughtful in this interview. What the hell are 'baby gloves'? Still, I think I was able to give a little insight into the workings of a small press, talk up our books a little, and even provide useful advice for new writers trying to get published (Seriously: get an agent.)

Here's that interview if you want to give it a listen:

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Launching Canada Counts: A Charles Pachter Counting Book

On Wednesday, October 7, at 7pm, Cormorant Books and the Ontario College of Art and Design will be holding the launch for Canada Counts: A Charles Pachter Counting Book.

The event is completely open to the public. Held in OCAD's lovely Great Hall at 100 McCaul Street in Toronto, the launch will feature free drinks and food, as well as a meet-and-greet and book signing with acclaimed artist (and Companion of the Order of Canada) Charles Pachter.

Come. It'll be fun.

Countdown to THE ScoTIAbank GILLer PRIZE Shortlist AnNOUNcement

A little over an hour now.

We're so excited, we're ready to auto-tune EVERYTHING.



Yeah. We're that excited.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Valentine's Fall launch

Photos courtesy of This Is Not A Reading Series

The intrepid Cary Fagan


Cary in converation with National Post cartoonist Gary Clement


Cary signing copies of Valentine's Fall

The Foggy Hogtown Boys, playing some sweet sweet bluegrass.